Civil engineer deficit forces shift to AI and robotics in bridge projects

The article highlights a critical workforce shortage in civil engineering, particularly in bridge construction, which is driving a shift toward increased use of automation, robotics, and modular construction techniques. Historically, bridge building has evolved from simple wooden structures to complex modern feats capable of spanning vast distances and enduring extreme conditions. However, the current decline in skilled labor—exacerbated by retirements and fewer new graduates—threatens to slow infrastructure development at a time when demand is surging. In the US alone, an estimated 23,600 civil engineering job openings are projected annually from 2024 to 2034, largely due to workforce turnover. To address this gap, the industry is increasingly adopting robotic technologies. Notable examples include China’s use of construction robots in completing the world’s longest single-tower suspension bridge in 2022, and Norway’s Ya Bridge, the first automotive bridge assembled using robotic laser welding. These innovations help mitigate labor shortages by automating high-risk or labor-intensive tasks, although